Marine Propulsion Function Unlocking With Keycode Access Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel propulsion systems do not allow users to selectively use various functions based on individual needs, necessitating a system that enables users to pay for necessary functions according to their requirements.
Innovation Solution
A marine vessel propulsion system with a controller that restricts and cancels restrictions on specific functions using a keycode system, allowing users to pay for and enable functions like increased output, constant speed, position maintenance, autopilot, and maneuvering assistance based on individual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all functions of the propulsion system are made available to users, then the system provides complete functionality and versatility, but users cannot selectively use only necessary functions leading to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system functions are segmented into multiple limited functions (constant speed travel, position maintenance, output increase, autopilot, maneuvering assistance). Each function can be independently restricted or enabled through the keycode system, allowing users to select only the functions they need rather than paying for all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes its operational state based on the keycode input. The controller can switch between restricted mode (where limited functions are unavailable) and enabled mode (where specific limited functions become available). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to provide complete functionality when needed while maintaining cost-effectiveness for basic operations.
2Ease of operation
If the system provides unrestricted access to all functions, then user convenience is maximized, but the system cannot implement selective payment for individual functions
Solution Approach 1:
The keycode serves as an intermediary between the user and the limited functions. Users input the keycode through the interface, and the controller mediates by comparing the input keycode with stored keycodes to determine which limited functions should be enabled. This intermediary mechanism enables selective payment-based access while maintaining ease of operation through simple keycode input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the keycode verification process. When a user inputs a keycode, the controller compares it with stored keycodes and provides feedback by either enabling or maintaining restrictions on specific limited functions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to user input and adjust functionality access accordingly.
3Ease of operation
If the system restricts access to limited functions, then cost-effectiveness is improved through selective payment, but the system complexity increases due to keycode management
Solution Approach 1:
The keycode management functionality is extracted as a separate, modular component within the controller. The controller includes a dedicated interface for keycode input, a storage area for storing keycodes, and a restriction cancellation unit that handles keycode verification. This extraction isolates the complexity into a manageable subsystem while keeping the overall propulsion system simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic keycode verification and function enabling. When a user inputs a keycode, the controller automatically compares it with stored keycodes and enables the corresponding limited functions without requiring manual configuration or complex intervention. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A marine vessel propulsion system (100) includes a propulsive force generator (31) to generate a propulsive force, a drive source (32) to drive the propulsive force generator (31), and a controller (5) configured or programmed to control the drive source (32) to perform marine vessel maneuvering-related functions including at least one limited function. The controller (5) includes an interface (53), and is further configured or programmed to include a restriction unit (21) to restrict a control operation for the limited function, and a restriction cancellation unit (22) to cancel the restriction effected by the restriction unit (21) to permit the control operation for the limited function if a predetermined keycode is inputted from the interface (53) or is registered in the controller (5).